Contract hire’s share of the car market now stands at 58% of the total fleet – some 75,059 vehicles. Personal contract hire accounts for 43,270 vehicles (33% of the fleet) and was responsible for 44% of new car contracts in the first half of 2015.

In van leasing, all finance types showed healthy increases in volumes, with the proportions of new contracts remaining relatively stable – contract hire accounted for 71%, while finance lease made up 34%.

Commenting on the figures, the BVRLA’s Leasing Broker Committee Chairman Mike Potter, said: “The leasing broker sector continues to grow in both size and professional ability. It is great to see that BVRLA brokers are providing more and more small and medium-sized businesses with access to affordable vehicle finance.“

“At the same time, we are continuing to work with the Financial Conduct Authority to improve processes, offer more transparency and provide an even greater customer experience.”